I tend to stay out of the political realm, however, I think you guys/gals give too much credit and blame to the POTUS. The president sets the agenda, he inspires a country, he is essentially a figure head, that we are to turn to show stability. His actions are useless without a CONGRESS that will work with him. CONGRESS is useless without MEMBERS who are willing to give and take.
Believe it or not our foreign policy has more to do with gas prices than our domestic economic policies. When countries that supply oil are threatened or in the news such as IRAN has been with the debates going on, it highlights weaknesses and speculation in the market, therefore inflating prices.
Prices of goods will ALWAYS increase no matter what the economic state, that is the nature of business these days. Companies won't put profit margins in jeopardy, I live in Las Vegas, one of the worst hit areas during this time. I can tell you first hand, that when I see foreclosures I don't think of the POTUS, I think of the families that have no where to go. I think of the banks that told these people they were going to be ok when it was all going good and now unwilling to help them out.
I fortunately am doing well in this currently economic time, GOD WILLING, it stays that way, however, I have to agree with my conservative side that there is not enough personal responsibility for actions. People over reach, they live in the now and don't think 5 years down the road. They are content with instant satisfaction and when they sign a contract for the big TV, house, car, etc. they see what's in front of them and not what's down the road.
Now, before everyone jumps on me, their are victims of the agendas that this POTUS has set, there are victims of a "do nothing" CONGRESS, however, for every economic, political, foreign policy that is passed someone will feel slighted.
I have witnessed people, some in my own family sit on unemployment and pass up jobs because they made more sitting at home, than working. However, I have friends that I watch go out everyday to find jobs and never get a phone call back. I as a manager, interview countless potential employees a year, who tell me they have been searching for a year sometimes longer.
I have had men and women stand in front of me and beg me to hire them, telling me they will clean toilets and hand scrub floors, with tears in their eyes, trying to make enough money to feed their families.
Seeing this everyday humbles you, makes you step back and take notice of the things you have, when I go home and tuck my daughter into bed and lay next to my boss, lol, I thank GOD that I have everything I have, and if I never had anything more than what I have now, I would die a happy man.
Went on a little rant there I know, but I listen to people look for anyone to blame, anyone to be their outlet, when sometimes, if they look and say, did I really need the 52" TV instead of the 42" that was 150$ cheaper would I be better off now. It's a keeping up with the Jones' attitude that seems to be killing this country, from politicians catering to the rich and famous, who can almost personally fund a campaign now, to the individual citizen who thinks that the guy across the street has the life he wants, only to see a month later a UHAUL in the driveway and a for sale sign in the front yard.
I sympathize with the gentleman that had to sell his tanks, growing up I watched my dad struggle to take care of his family, working 12 hour days 6 days a week. My mom going days without eating dinner so that we could. They both are doing well in life and benefited from "social" programs that helped them maintain while they worked to improve their lives and the lives of my brothers and sister. Because of growing up and seeing them work hard early in life and now sit and enjoy the fruits of their labor, I now have a drive to work hard.
I listen to people complain about the economy all the time as they drink a $8 Bud Light at the bar, or over a 45$ Steak at dinner, or as they smoke a 8$ pack of cigarettes a day. I wonder if they actually look at themselves as part of the reason that they are where they are. Instead of the POTUS or CONGRESS, a lot of times you can improve your situation, by grabbing yourself by the boot straps and realizing that the NOW may not be good for the LATER.
END OF RANT!
